Creamy & Flavorful Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Introduction
If you love creamy, comforting meals that come together in one pan, this Boursin Orzo with Chicken is the perfect recipe for you. It’s packed with flavor, featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and a rich, cheesy sauce made with Boursin cheese. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s a delicious, family-friendly dinner that you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan convenience – Fewer dishes to clean and easy preparation.
- Creamy and flavorful – Boursin cheese adds a rich, herby, and garlicky taste.
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients for Boursin Orzo with Chicken
To make this creamy, cheesy dish, you’ll need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb, diced)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 5 oz Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional, for extra greens)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or deep pan
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, and cook for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic – In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toast the Orzo – Stir in the orzo and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat it with the butter and garlic.
- Add the Liquid – Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Incorporate the Cream & Cheese – Stir in the heavy cream, Boursin cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until fully melted and creamy.
- Return the Chicken – Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
- Add Spinach (Optional) – If using spinach, stir it in at the end until wilted.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Boursin Orzo with Chicken
- Toast the orzo – Lightly toasting the orzo in butter before adding the broth enhances its nutty flavor.
- Use room-temperature Boursin cheese – This ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the orzo – It should be tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust the thickness – Add extra broth or cream if you prefer a looser sauce.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap the protein – Try shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a different take on the dish.
- Use different cheeses – If you don’t have Boursin, substitute with cream cheese plus a bit of extra garlic and herbs.
- Add more veggies – Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or peas work well in this dish.
- Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not stirring the orzo – Since it’s a small pasta, it can stick to the pan if not stirred occasionally.
- Adding the cheese too early – Boursin and Parmesan should be added after the orzo is fully cooked to avoid clumping.
- Overcooking the chicken – To keep it juicy, remove it from the heat as soon as it’s cooked through.
What to Serve with Boursin Orzo with Chicken
This dish is rich and creamy on its own, but you can pair it with:
- Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables – Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add freshness.
- Simple green salad – A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate.
- Reheating – Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish up to a day in advance and reheat with a little extra broth or cream before serving.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While orzo works best, small pasta shapes like ditalini or pearl couscous can be used as substitutes.
Is there a dairy-free alternative?
You can try dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream instead of Boursin and heavy cream, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the chicken and garlic using the sauté function, then add the orzo and broth. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, do a quick release, and stir in the cheeses and cream at the end.
Final Thoughts
This Boursin Orzo with Chicken is a creamy, flavorful, and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of tender chicken, cheesy orzo, and aromatic herbs makes it a dish you’ll want to make on repeat. Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out in the comments! If you loved it, share the recipe and subscribe for more delicious meal ideas.
Print
Creamy & Flavorful Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Description
This Boursin Orzo with Chicken is a creamy, one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, garlic-herb Boursin cheese, and perfectly cooked orzo in a rich, velvety sauce. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete, comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb, diced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Orzo & Sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 5 oz Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional, for extra greens)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic – In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toast the Orzo – Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the Broth & Simmer – Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Make it Creamy – Stir in the heavy cream, Boursin cheese, and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Return the Chicken – Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, stir, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Add Spinach (Optional) – Stir in baby spinach until wilted.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Toast the orzo – Cooking the orzo in butter before adding the broth enhances its nutty flavor.
- Use room-temperature Boursin cheese – It melts more smoothly into the sauce.
- Adjust the thickness – If the sauce is too thick, add extra broth or cream.